The effect of oestrogen has on bony tissue is perhaps the most well understood change associated with menopause. For many years now, we have recognised that post menopausal women have worse bone mineral density than women in the reproductive stages. This puts women over the age of 50 at a significantly higher risk of bone fractures.
There is a widely accepted link between menopause and low bone mineral density, and in some women this leads to the diagnosis of osteoporosis. This is important, as osteoporotic women will be at a much higher risk of fractures, which significantly affects long term quality of life.
What we know about menopause and bone health:
There is a positive association between high oestrogen levels and tendon health. This essentially means oestrogen is important to maintain healthy tendons. In post menopausal women, the reduction in oestrogen levels have been associated with a reduction in collagen synthesis and increased risk of tendon rupture. We also know the risk of lower limb tendinopathy increases in post-menopausal women (when compared to pre-menopausal women).
Research has indicated that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) will improve achilles tendon diameter in active women (but there is no change in sedentary women). This means for active women who are struggling to manage a lower limb tendinopathy, it may be worth discussing the risks and benefits of MHT with your GP.
The information on these tissues and their relationship with oestrogen has been slower to emerge. Conclusions have essentially said oestrogen has receptors in connective tissue, and therefore affects all types of connective tissue throughout the body. It is not quite understood how exactly these tissues are affected by oestrogen, so we cannot be sure of what changes to expect with menopause.
We do know that osteoarthritis has been shown to be worse after menopause, suggesting oestrogen is important for cartilage health; but again clear correlations are yet to be determined.
The reduction in oestrogen associated with menopause has been shown to have affects on all tissues throughout women’s bodies. It is important to ensure women are aware of these changes, and manage their diet and exercise appropriately to minimise the risks associated with these changes. For more information on menopausal diet and exercise, please click here.
If you’re interested in booking an appointment with one of our team members, contact our clinic today and we’ll be happy to find time for a consultation.
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